Molina knocked out of game in collision at plate

Credit: Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is thrown out on a collision at home against Yadier Molina #4 in the second inning during the game on August 28, 2012 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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(BaseballStL) – A big collision at the plate has knocked Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina out of the game against Pittsburgh.

With one out in the bottom of the second inning and Pittsburgh shortstop Josh Harrison on second, Pirate right fielder Jose Tabata hit a hard single to Carlos Beltran.

Harrison rounded third with a full head of steam. Beltran’s short hop throw to the plate arrived in plenty of time, but was just a step up the third base line putting Molina right in Harrison’s path.

Molina was still wearing his helmet and clutching the ball with both hands when Harrison lowered his shoulder, catching Molina in the head, snapping his head back as both players ended up sprawled across the plate.

Molina held onto the ball for the third out.

Harrison popped up and jogged back to the Pittsburgh dugout. Molina stayed down in obvious pain as the Cards training staff moved in. Yadi has to be helped to his feet and back to the dugout.

TV coverage showed Molina turning his head from side to side as trainers and manager Mike Matheny looked on.

After a few minutes Yadi finally did take off his shin guards and walked back into the clubhouse as Tony Cruz came into the game for the third inning.